Advising Students

The Education Abroad Office provides information to students on UNL approved education abroad programs, and advises students on their experience abroad from pre-departure until they return to campus. However, EAO cannot advise students on the specifics pertaining to their degree requirements and refers all students to their academic or faculty advisor.

Notes for Faculty Recommenders

Students may apply to study abroad through the online application system, MyWorld. Part of the application process is requesting one to two recommendations from faculty members. Therefore, you may receive an e-mail asking you to log in and fill out a recommendation for a student. If you have questions, please write educationabroad@unl.edu or call 402-472-5358.

Notes for Academic Advisors

Foreign institutions typically do not publish course schedule books in advance of each semester. Nevertheless, it is possible for a student and his or her departmental or academic advisor to map out an academic plan for the semester abroad by reviewing possible course selections (from a web link or hard copy materials). Students should select more than they would typically take in a given semester to ensure that they will have approved course choices when registering abroad. They should take the departmental evaluator's contact information with them so they may be reached with any questions at the time of registration. Some programs have a limited menu of courses from which to choose, or even a fixed academic program that will affect the students' options.

Course Equivalencies

This is the process of assigning of a UNL course number to courses taken abroad, and this process is facilitated by the Education Abroad Office. Students submit the Predeparture Study Abroad Worksheet (available in the Academics section of this Web site) along with each course description or syllabus prior to their departure from UNL to the department evaluator for their review. Upon their approval and signature, the student will then obtain the signature of their academic advisor or advising center. The completed form is retained by the EAO. EAO will facilitate the transfer credit process upon receipt of the student's transcript.

Grades

EAO will send final credits and grades to the Office of Admissions once EAO has received the transcript from the foreign institution and the completed transfer credit forms. Please note, that it may take 3-4 months for Education Abroad to receive foreign transcripts.

Course Substitution

Course substitution is the process of making an exception in a student's degree audit so that a course taken abroad can fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions are the sole prerogative of the student's academic department. Thus, EAO cannot tell students how courses will count in their major or minor. When students return to UNL, they may work with their academic advisor to request a course/s taken abroad to fulfill a degree requirement.

Course Load and Dropping a Class

Students must take a full course load while abroad. Students who wish to drop courses while they are on an education abroad program must obtain approval the EAO and must educate themselves of the consequences (for example, how would dropping a course affect the student’s financial aid). This is especially important in cases where it is too late to add a substitute course, since students may risk dropping below what is considered to be a full-time course load at the host institution.

Notes for all Faculty and Staff

Health and Safety Abroad

Student safety and well-being is the University's top priority for study abroad. We continually monitor news from public media, the U.S. government, and our partners abroad for up-to-date, accurate information. We also work with students so they learn strategies for maximizing their own safety. To that end, all students must attend a Health and Safety Pre-departure Orientation. Also, you may refer to the Health and Safety and Security resources to access specific topics. Special review is required for activities in countries under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning.

Financial Considerations and Fees

UNL offers a wide range of programs, each varying in cost and duration. Refer students to the Program Costs and Dates for estimates on programs administered through the EAO during the past academic year.

Scholarships

For information on scholarships, please see our Scholarships section .

Education Abroad Coordinators

explain the various education abroad programs available at UNL, with reference to the individual student's academic degree plan and/or personal interests;

provide links to host institution course catalogs, if available, and/or other web or written materials pertaining to classes available;

explain the application and orientation processes to students, and answer other questions (visa and passport procedures, housing options, program costs, etc.), as needed; and

outline the process of course substitution.

Academic and Faculty Advisors

discuss and plan which courses taken abroad will fit into the student's academic degree audit;

explain any rules or requirements that are particular to a department or college that might affect either the eligibility of a student for a particular program or their choice of courses;

clarify how education abroad will affect the student's progress towards the degree; and